Deputies to Stress Safety at School Presentation

Thousand Oaks sheriff’s deputies on motorcycles will kick off the department’s annual Safe and Fun Education program for students at Walnut Elementary School today.

The program began three years ago to make children, parents and teachers more aware of safety issues involving crosswalks, pedestrians, bicycles and in-line skates, said Deputy Daniel Ambarian.

Although all types of motor vehicles can be dangerous, deputies use motorcycles during their 15- to 20-minute presentation because they know the flashy bikes will hold the children’s attention, Ambarian said.

It’s difficult to track the results of the program but Ambarian said the preventive measures the department’s traffic bureau takes to educate children about safety are a step in the right direction to save lives and avoid injuries.

All Conejo Valley elementary schools are contacted to participate in the program. Three additional schools are scheduled for the presentations next week.